Terra Lynn Photography - Blog & Information

Addition of Shannon Grimmer Beauty Concepts

2012-03-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

I am SO pleased to announce the collaboration of efforts with an amazing local Chicago fashion make-up artist, Shannon Grimmer | Beauty Concepts (SG | BC), to our H.S. Senior Sessions!!!

We all know make-up helps smooth the skin and give beautiful, even tones. No H.S. Senior session should be without this, even if you NEVER wear make-up (ok, we are not talking about the guys here ;-) I am a NO make-up kind of gal...but when it comes to photographs, I always add a natural tone of make-up to help the photo POP. A make-up artist can achieve this much beyond what we can do ourselves. They understand lighting and the effects of a camera lens on the skin. Plus, I just LOVE the pampering!!!

Whether you are modest like me or love wearing make-up all day long, I strongly hope you consider adding her to your session... Shannon has given us an EXCLUSIVE $65 rate for hair & make-up, on location!!! Isn't that CRAZY? She may even stay for touch-ups during the session, if we ask her nicely :-)

Just imagine the pampering of hair & make-up, then a photo session customized just for YOU!!! It is an EXPERIENCE we create. It is NOT just a plain, dull senior portrait; let's leave those for the backdrop guys ;-)

Remember: Adding on-location hair & make-up will transform your senior session into an amazing magical experience!!!

To read more about Shannon's career as an artist:

Shannon has been working in the beauty industry for 11 years. Performing services for fashion shows, brides, media and special events. She is well rounded and has worked for the world renowned brand MAC cosmetics, has been an
educator for reputable hair brands and has been in the corporate salon management arena.

Currently she is partnered with MuseBeauty.pro as an educator. What is musebeauty.pro?
We are a resource for advanced education, inspiration, and professional product for the makeup artist.

About SG | BC makeup applications
Shannon uses Kett Hydro which is a water based, transfer resistant, water resistant foundation applied with an airbrush or the traditional makeup brush. Kett is a skin-benefit formula that is ideal for all skin types. Kett allows a custom blend of over 60 shades of foundation. This allows her to be confident that your skin will look naturally beautiful!

Her style is a mix of traditional and airbrush (airbrush is NOT an additional charge).

Shannon Grimmer | Shannon Grimmer Beauty Concepts | Rodan + Fields NWI and
Greater Chicago Independent Consultant
www.sgbeautyconcepts.com
https://shannongrimmer.myrandf.com
219-308-4240

My Grandfather...My Grandpa...

2012-03-10T08:55:00.002-08:00

I am sitting here in the hospital, as I have done almost everyday for the past 38 days with my Grandpa...

Let me tell you about my Grandpa...He was born in 1928 from a family of 9 kids. He went to school with his best friend, George, and even joined the US Navy together in 1945 at the age of 17. George and my Grandfather, Steve, toured the world together, literally, down to the South Pole and back in 1946! They are best of buddies...

One day, Grandpa took his shore leave and went home for 30 days. He came back to tell George that he got married to a pretty young lady, named Lorraine!While Grandpa finished out his Navy contract, he & Grandma live in a one room (not one bedroom, but one room) apartment in Manhattan NY. Let me tell you, the stories I've heard were just too many & too funny to mention them all :-) They settled back to Northwest Indiana shortly after that, while George did the same.

My Grandparents had my mom and her brother, Stevie. My mom had us four kids and let me tell you...Grandma & Grandpa had their hands full when we came over to stay the night! Every night we were put to bed with a warm glass of milk and some kind of treat, like cookies or ice cream! Yes, do you believe that? I know, we were so spoiled!!!

I have to tell you that my Grandfather is the BEST man I have ever known! I get my positive outlook on life from him and my husband. He also makes me laugh all of the time, specially when we went on a cruise together....oh boy, now that was crazy fun! He has that no nonsense attitude and loves NCIS...just like me! Matter of fact, we watched all of the NCIS reruns together, here at the hospital!

Grandma & Grandpa were married for 63 crazy years! She passed away January 2011, 1 year and 2 months from today. His undying love for her was so immense, that anyone who saw them together just instantly knew how deeply he cared for and loved her.

Just before Grandpa started chemo & radiation for his esophageal cancer (which he had a "let's get it done" attitude) we took a trip to see George. This was the first time I ever met his best friend of over 73 years! We had a whale of a time talking about their lives together...of course, I video recorded it!

This past week Grandpa was put on a ventilator and came off 9 days later, with perfect "stats". The doctors were amazed and could not believe it. Of course, I did believe because I know how determined he is to overcome things. Well, today Grandpa decided it was time to be with Grandma...he told us he can't wait to see her again...and the ear to ear smile was emmense!With that, my Grandfather met his long lost love, Lorraine, on the other side somewhere...I only hope that one day I will be with them again.

------------------

To my Grandpa:

Thank you for all of the amazing days we had together with all of the ups and downs. I will always tell everyone I can, that you are my inspiration for life! I am thankful I have always told you this, so I know you already know :-)

P.s. thank you for all of the warm milk and cookies when I was a kid...

Love "your favorite granddaughter" (inside joke),
Terrie

Hunger Games vs 2013 Model Program !!!

2012-02-25T13:37:00.001-08:00

About the "Just Model It' 2013 Senior Model Program:

http://terralynnphotography.blogspot.com/2012/02/2013-senior-model-search-is-on.html

The Model Application:

http://terraterralynnphoto.polldaddy.com/s/seniorapplication

If you are one of the LUCKY assistants, you will meet at my home, in Schererville, on Wednesday,

March 7th by 1:30pm (no later). We will return to the same location at the VERY latest 10:30pm, but expect to back before then.

The assistants will not be paid, but the trip will include a snack, dinner and travel to/from Aurora, IL!

I can not guarantee a personal photograph with the Hunger Games cast,

but I would hope we would have that opportunity :-)

Just Model It 2013!

2012-02-11T09:18:00.000-08:00

2013 "Just Model It" Search Is ON !!!

I am SO excited about this year's senior model program!

This is going to be an exciting year for our 2013 Senior Model TEAM!

Our amazing Senior Model Program is chock full of rewards, such as a studio style fashion shoot with a makeup/hair artist, free products for spreading the word about us, your own CUTE personalized mini accordion book and MORE !!!

AND I have EVEN more up my sleeve to come... Oh, I just can't WAIT !!!

So, you want to know who can join our team?
Currently, we are accepting applications from spunky, fun & outgoing Juniors from:

Andrean High School
Crown Point High School
Lake Central High School
Munster High Schools

How to apply, you ask? Fill out this online application :-)

When do I need to have the form filled out by? By March 15th @ midnight

When will I know if I had made the team? By March 15th, all applicants will be notified via email.

Will it cost anything?
Being part of our team, with all these amazing perks, does not cost anything :-)

Although, we do ask to sign up for a Spring outdoor senior session at a very special, exclusive price to team members only...
let's just say...I don't even offer this deal to family members, it is that good!
I'm just say'in....

When will this awesome fashion photo shoot happen? March/April 2012

Still wondering if you should apply?
Contact your current Junior/Senior Model and ask them what they think about being part of our team...

Andrean, Kayla Thomas, 2013
Crown Point, Kendall Brown, 2012
Lake Central, Ike Spearman, 2012
Merrillville, Jucila Best, 2012
Munster, just added for 2013!!

The loss of my Dad...the disbelief that it is real...

2011-11-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

I had a rough patch when I was a kid having to deal with a divorce and remarriages. It was a lot to take in when you are only in 2nd grade. We (my 2 sisters and brother) would visit my Dad on weekends and then slowly it became sporadic as he moved onto his new life...this hurt...but when he did see us, we had his undivided attention, as if we were the only ones in the world around him.

We had plenty of "Chinese Fire Drills" together :-)
It is when you are at a stop light and you all get out and run around the car, then get back in before the light would change green...I know...silly, but fun...

As he got older, he became literally a "wise man". He would say those things that young adults would not understand. As I moved into my 30's and started a family, I completely understood them all. I looked forward to when we would speak, email or chat, just to hear his worldly advise. He was kind and caring, all the way deep into his soul. Anyone lucky enough to know him was greatly touched by his warmth.

I love my Dad with all my heart and I am in disbelief that I can no longer call upon his wisdom. He was too young to pass on...only 63 years old and had an amazing future to complete.

He has always encouraged me to find my happiness...doing anything less, is just wasted time and energy.

But right now, at this moment though, my strive for life has been lost...and now I only feel painful sadness...

I am very lucky. Every time I had contact with my Dad, he always told me how proud he was of my son & daughter, my connection with my husband, who I have become and how much I've achieved in my life. He was also my BIGGEST photography fan. Just last month he spent sometime at work showing off my recent images to his coworkers. You could just hear how proud he was of me... ...I will never forget that moment.

To give you an idea of how amazing and wise he was all of the time...

this is a note my Dad wrote to my brother, a short while before his unexpected passing...

"Hey, I know the kind of life that gets in the way of some of the things you intend to accomplish. That is what so great about this Facebook program. You can communicate on your time. Plus you can get updates to all the important people in your life easily. I am proud "as Hell" of Love of my children and my friends and the Pace family online. Thanks for the shout out and even though there is distance and time between chats, love to you and your sisters is constant from both your mother and I. Our proudest moments were the birth of each of you!" ~ Larry Pace

As I read this again...it sends me into crying right away...to know these are his last messages I will ever see... it is unfair...but I understand I am lucky his words were always filled with so much love, each and every time.

Every child wants to hear from their parents about how proud they are of them...

...I am lucky, my father did this every time. Thank you Dad....

Your dreams can come true...ok, or at least close ;-)

2011-10-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

When I was in my early 20's, I upped and moved to California with my new husband because I wanted a different future. Once we were on our way across country, I realized I CAN make anything happen as long as I continue to make steps towards it and not listen to anyone's negative ideas.

Our first New Years Eve in California on the Queen Mary!

Then, about the age 25, I was lucky enough to have a mid-life crisis, per-say. I began to think about my interests as a kid and what I wanted to be when I grew up (before the outside world influenced me). Three things kept coming to mind: oceanographer, astronaut/jet pilot & photographer (more so, I just LOVED looking at pictures in books, not really knowing that a "photographer" could be a real ;-) job.

Back in elementary school, I knew I was not cut out for science, so I used it as an excuse not to become an oceanographer. Also, I knew I could not be an astronaut or jet pilot because I did not have 20/20 vision (no Lasik was available back then ). So, that knocked me out of the running for both of those. As for the photographer, it has long been in me...always looking for the best pictures within a book, but never any thoughts that I could actually do that.

I am the cute one on the top left ;-) That is a really trendy jacket I am wearing!

By my mid 20's, I started to look at how I could get these things in my life. Could I be a photographer, oceanographer, fighter jet pilot or astronaut? Well, maybe not really, but I wanted to get as close as I could. So, I slowly worked on integrating these interests into my life.

First, I had to get close to the ocean, so I became SCUBA certified! Now I can go in the ocean anytime I want, OK not really, since I am in the Midwest again, but hey, when I get there...I get there ;-) I also have dreams of when I retire, to volunteer on a boat somewhere in the middle of the ocean. Hey, maybe they will need an underwater photographer, you never know...SO I can't wait to find out!

As far as the jet fighter pilot...uh, well...I joined the Navy Reserves and was stationed on an airbase! How perfect was that! I am still in the Navy Reserves and am hoping to get back to an airbase in the future to hear the roar of those engines, again. I miss it so much!

Yep, that is me, just fresh out of boot camp standing next to all of that "brass" at age 26 :-)

For the past few years, I have put full force effort into becoming a photographer. I am very thankful for my husband's support. Without it, I would not be as successful as I have become. He sees in me, my passion and drive for what I love, photography. He also believes in me and has never talked negatively about anything. Thank you, Honey :-)

OK, and now the real reason I started this whole post...the completion of all of my childhood dreams...Last year I volunteer to go with my son's class to the local Challenger Learning Center (http://www.clcnwi.com/). It is a space science education center in honor of the Challenger spaceship and crew. Anyway, I took the time to submit an email stating if they ever needed a volunteer, to give me a call. Well, guess what? I just received that email needing a volunteer for an event happening these next two weeks! Of course, I said "YES". I am actually getting involved with astronauts! OK, in a long shot of a way...but HEY, I am happy with the connection I have created. Who knows...they just might need a photographer!

In short, if you take tiny steps towards your dreams, they will come true in one form or another! So, go find your childhood dream and point your life towards it!

If you have any dreams, please post them! If you have any "dream come true stories", please post them, too! I would just LOVE to hear about how you made them reality!!!

School "Daze" Contest WINNERS!!!!

2011-09-16T00:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Danielle Walters for winning the School "Daze" Contest!!! She receives a Snapshot photo session! YEA!!!

I would ALSO like to announce the owner's choice award...it was really tough...there were some really great photos...congrats to Kim Miller!!!! YEA!!!

Now for the "mystery bonus"...

Josh Sorenson & Heather Mladenik, you have won a $25 Terra Lynn Photography gift certificate!!! YEA!!!

Congratulations guys and I would like to thank every who participated in this contest...thank YOU!!!

Introducing Kayla...our Andrean H.S. 2013 Senior Model on the Blog !

2011-09-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

This is Kayla...

Look at her beautiful smile!

Kayla has an amazing musical talent...

matter of fact, that is how we met!

One day, while waiting for my son's piano lesson to finish up, Kayla started to play her guitar and sing while she waited for her lesson. I was stopped in my tracks and could not do anything else, but listen to her sing. I have NEVER heard such a beautiful sound before...

Well, come to find out, she is not only amazingly talented, but she is one of the most beautiful people inside and out, that I have EVER met! The smile in her eyes will overwhelm anyone who meets her. Even when she is feeling sick, she has only powerful, inspirational things to say.

I am SO lucky she has become one of our models... Truly, she is the person to model after in all respects!

Thank YOU, Kayla !!!

School "Daze" Photo Contest (for everyone 13 to 100 yrs old !!!)

2011-08-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Who wants to win a FREE Snapshots session?

1. Email your favorite picture of yourself, scenery or object taken by a camera cell phone & un-edited to: terra@TerraLynnPhotography.com or post it to our fan page wall at www.Facebook.com/TerraLynnPhotography :-)

2. If you know one of our model reps (Ike, Jucila, Kayla, Kendall, Ramsey or Sydney), please put their name in the description to help them gain points!

3. I will post all entries in an album on Sept 1st.

4. Then have your friends "Like" it by Sept 15th!

That's it!

Winner with the most "Likes" by midnight CST September 15th wins a FREE Snapshots session worth $99 !!! This contest is open to 13 yr old and up!

Bonus! Any contestant reaching 50 "likes" will earn a surprise at the end of the contest!!! It's never too late to enter for the BONUS!!!

I would just LOVE to see a Grandma, Grandpa or even a GREAT Grandma or Grandpa enter into the contest! Wouldn't that be fun?!?!?! Having a beautiful photo taken for yourself is the best feeling ever....so, enter NOW!!!

Note: TLP Models not eligible for the contest, but may gain 1 point per person entered into the School "Daze" Photo Contest. Contestant must type the model rep's name in the description or comments below their photo to receive their point :-)

Session for NO reason, REALLY, you deserve it! No occasion needed!

2011-07-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

As a mom, I find occasions to photograph my children, but very rarely will I ever join in. There are several reasons, maybe my hair is up in a pony tail and if I take it out....uh, watch out...here comes bozo ;-) Or maybe I am feeling I won't look nice, so why waste a good photo of the kids.

(no inserted photo of this craziness...I refuse ;-)

Well, people tend to have similar reasons or just many others, when thinking of themselves in a photograph. It is important to find reasons to overcome such NONSENSE. I now have several such reasons, one is I realize my children will be looking for pictures of myself when they are older. I know this, because I am always looking for photos of my mom when she was my age, and there are not many :-( .

Here is one of my mom, around my current age...I think...

Another reason, is to actually feel better about myself. Believe it or not, taking the time to "be ready" for a photograph will allow you to feel and look good, because you are prepared ;-) Don't wait for a "special occasion", time flies too quickly. Instead, an idea is to pledge to yourself every (set number of years) to have a personal session taken for only you. Don't think of a simple head shot. I am talking about a lifestyle portrait that puts you in your own environment. I love the photo of my mom (above) because it shows her environment. It is not a standard picture of her standing there. It is an awesome snapshot of my mom's life at this time. If you capture such moments & locations, you will be able look back at what makes you, YOU.

When having an individual session with us, starting with a good makeup and hair style from a local salon gets the mood in the right direction. Plus, an added bonus, the makeup may cover issues of concern, leaving you less self conscious about imperfections in the skin. Note: No model has perfect skin. Makeup and digital touch-ups create this illusion. For the guys, you are totally welcome to go to a local salon for your makeup and hair ;-) but I notice my male clients will tend to pick up a new shirt and/or pants, which works, too!

Local cosmetology schools are available at a discounted rate, but make sure to have a practice run for what you are looking for.

At Terra Lynn Photography, I strive to capture each client's unique beauty in many ways, to look and feel like a model. Keep us in mind when thinking of your own personal shoot...

...don't forget, some people will never do something for themselves, so sometimes it is up to family or friends to make it happen for them. We have gift certificates available, at any amount, to either apply toward a session or to purchase a whole session at the current 2011 rates, for that special person who never takes the time.

My mom now...!

Give me a call to chat or answer any of your questions at 219 902-9012 :-)

Would you like to be a 2012 Senior High School Representative?

2011-06-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Would you or someone you know be interested in being a representative for Terra Lynn Photography?
Our current available openings are:

1 female from Lake Central, Munster & Andrean High Schools

1 male from Crown Point, Merrillville, Munster & Andrean High Schools

Being a representative for Terra Lynn Photography, gives you a FREE senior portrait session and more! How can it get any better?

Well, here is how it gets better: You would receive a FREE photo session, 10 digital files to use online and 50 rep cards. You would also have more opportunities to receive free products with referrals:

With each paid referral, a $15 print credit gets applied toward your session
2nd referral - one 8x10, two 5x7 & 12 wallets
5th referral - 10x10 14 page album
10th referral - one 20x30 wall print with 3 images

Well, just by showing your EXCITEMENT for our work to other Juniors and Seniors within your school allows you to give your friends an automatic 10% off a senior session plus a free 11x14 print! All they need to do is show your rep card to us at the time of their session. That is it!

Want to become part of our 2012 Senior Rep Team? We would LOVE to have you join us!

- You will just need to be a graduating 2012 Senior (High School or College)

- Simply download and fill out this form 2012 Senior Rep App

- Email it to terra@TerraLynnPhotography.com

That is it! Can't wait for YOU to join our TEAM!!!!
(please note: there are only 1-2 reps per High School, so apply early!)

Sydney - 2011 Senior Rep Team Member!!!

2011-04-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't say enough about how much fun
we had during Sydney's senior session!

We captured a lot of natural moments...

some beautiful moments...

and some moments that represent her...

All in all, it was amazing moments we captured!

Spearman Family !!!

2011-04-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, I just can't say enough about this beautiful family!

There is such a beautiful dynamic between the kids...

the parents...

and the family as a whole...

This is what family LOVE, FUN & TOGETHERNESS looks like!

Also....

Ike is part of our Senior Rep Team and will have his shoot in May...
so look out for that!

Accepting Senior Representative Apps for a Limited TIME!!!

2011-04-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Do I have to say "FREE"?

Ok, here I go...

FREE Senior Portraits for ALL Senior Reps on our TEAM!!!!

Want to become part of our 2012 Senior Rep Team? We would LOVE to have you join us!

- You will just need to be a graduating 2012 Senior (High School or College)

- Simply fill out this form 2012 Senior Rep App

- Email it to terra@TerraLynnPhotography.com

That is it! Can't wait for YOU to join our TEAM!!!!
(please note: there are only 1-2 reps per High School, so apply early!)

psst...2013 Seniors, send an email to get on the waiting list for next year...spaces go fast, so get on the list ASAP!

Inspiration...

2011-02-03T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I just watched an amazing inspirational video from www.framedshow.com.

This first episode spurs my thoughts to collaborate with other areas of this business. I have been thinking, for some time now, about connecting with local make-up artists in the area for bridals, senior high school & boudoir shoots.

This may be the YEAR!!!

Would you like to be a 2012 Senior High School Representative?

2011-02-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

Free photography for a few 2012 Senior High School & College Reps!

Would you or someone you know be interested in being a representative for Terra Lynn Photography?

Being a representative for Terra Lynn Photography, gives you a FREE senior portrait session and more! How can it get any better?

Well, here is how it gets better: You would receive a FREE photo session, 10 digital files to use online and 50 rep cards. You would also have more opportunities to receive free products with referrals:

With each paid referral, a $15 print credit gets applied toward your session
2nd referral - one 8x10, two 5x7 & 12 wallets
5th referral - 10x10 14 page album
10th referral - one 20x30 wall print with 3 images

Well, just by showing your EXCITEMENT for our work to other Juniors and Seniors within your school allows you to give your friends an automatic 10% off a senior session plus a free 11x14 print! All they need to do is show your rep card to us at the time of their session. That is it!

Please send an email to terra@TerraLynnPhotography.com if you are interested, as soon as possible, because this opportunity is on a first come basis...
Also, be sure to have your friends become a Facebook fan ----> Click Here

Our blog and what to expect ;-)

2011-01-31T16:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Terra Lynn Photography fans!!! This is our very FIRST blog entry!!!

Ok...now that the excitement is over, here is the real scoop! I started this blog due to current Facebook restrictions for contests and other matters. So, the original purpose for this blog is to promote and run contests for our Facebook FANS to win cool stuff. This is also a great place where I will post detailed information on upcoming session marathons and opportunities.

That is not to say I will only stick to the above....because I always like to change things UP!!!

With all that said...WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!!!